14 December 2020
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Power Play; An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove – The Next Chapter in Sino-US Ties
Power Play; An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove – The Next Chapter in Sino-US Ties
As China sizes up the Biden team, both parties signal how they hope to shape bilateral relations. With the Trump administration on its way out and President-elect Joe Biden set to take power with a fresh team come Jan 20, signs have emerged that Chinese leaders are seeking a reset in Beijing’s relations with Washington, and are watching Mr Biden’s key Cabinet appointments closely for what changes they might augur. A flurry of signals on China’s intention to rebuild the relationship has come since late last month. Given the cautiously optimistic nature of Beijing’s recent comments, it is possible that China could send a high-level representative to Washington soon after the inauguration on Jan 20 to kick-start dialogue, said Dr Li Mingjiang, Associate Professor with the RSIS in Singapore. “Their appointments (of Mr Blinken and Mr Sullivan) would have given Chinese leaders some positivity or glimmer of hope that Sino-US relations could be shaped towards a more stable or cooperative track,” he said.
IDSS / Online / Print
Last updated on 14/12/2020
